Latest news with #RiyaSharma
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jhanak promo: Riya Sharma impresses fans with her new look; Arjit Taneja enters the show as a cop
Jhanak has ventured into a new story track with a 20-year leap, giving way to a new storyline and new lead actors. Television popular stars Riya Sharma and Arjit Taneja are replacing former leads Hiba Nawab and Krushal Ahuja as the new lead protagonists. While the details of the post-leap storyline remain under wraps, a newly released promo gives a glimpse into what's to come. Riya Sharma now plays the titular role of Jhanak, while Arjit Taneja portrays a police officer. The promo shows a brief but telling encounter: Jhanak is walking with her bicycle when it is accidentally pushed by a cop's motorcycle. He apologizes, but she refuses to accept it. When he offers her compensation to apologize, she visibly bristles and states that she will report to the police station to complain — against the officer himself. The exchange suggests a forceful Jhanak and primes the audience for a hot-headed chemistry between the new leads. Prior to the leap, Jhanak was played by Hiba Nawab and Anirudh by Krushal Ahuja. Both the actors have since left the show. It is said that Hiba decided to leave because of the age leap her character needed, not feeling that it was the right time for her in her career. Surprisingly, the jump was already scheduled months prior but was delayed and ultimately scrapped because of scheduling issues. But with ratings remaining essentially level, the production staff opted to finally proceed with the makeover. With Arjit Taneja and Jhanak Sharma at the center, the show is looking forward to reviving its storyline while keeping its emotional essence intact. Whether this jump will be complete and bring people back is yet to be seen — but one thing is sure: Jhanak is stepping into a new phase altogether.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
After a blistering April, Pune witnesses coolest May in 10 years; early showers an added relief
1 2 Pune: The city is experiencing its coolest May in a decade with thundershowers creating monsoon-like conditions though summer officially continues across the region — a weather turnaround that has residents reaching for umbrellas instead of AC remotes. India Meteorological Department (IMD) data shows Shivajinagar has recorded an average maximum temperature of 36.3°C in the first half of May 2025 — the lowest such figure in the past 10 years. "The weather has completely flipped from April to went from near-record heat to record cool within weeks," " a senior IMD official said. The consecutive thundershowers have transformed Pune's typically sweltering May into a pleasant respite, surprising residents who endured April's brutal heat when temperatures frequently crossed the 40°C-mark across most areas of the city. Riya Sharma, a working professional from Wanowrie, said: "I thought that May would be worse than April in terms of the heat we experienced last month. But May has caught me by surprise. This May is among the coolest I have seen in several years." Koregaon Park resident Ananya Deshmukh is equally surprised. "I've already brought out my monsoon footwear. It feels like the monsoon has arrived two months early." Meteorologists said the ongoing 36.3°C average marked a significant drop compared to previous years — well below the scorching 39.5°C of 2020 and nearly two degrees cooler than last year's 38.2°C. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want Lower Bills Without Changing a Thing? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo The city was baked by the unprecedented April heat this year, when Lohegaon logged a record 25 days at or above 40°C — highest for the month in a decade. Shivajinagar also witnessed extreme heat in April, with 14 days either touching or crossing the 40°C-mark — the most in April over the past 12 years. May has been opposite. While Shivajinagar recorded a high of 40°C only once (May 1) during the first fortnight of the month this year, neighbouring Lohegaon weather station crossed the 40°C threshold thrice (May 1, 4 and 5). This marks a significant departure from historical patterns, particularly when compared to 2020 which saw seven days above 40°C in Shivajinagar during the same period. "The reduced frequency of extremely hot days this year is remarkable. Most May months typically see Pune sweltering with several 40°C-plus days, making this year's pattern quite anomalous," an expert from Vagaries of Weather blog said. "The average maximum temperature in Shivajinagar during May's first half (36.3°C) represents a substantial cooling trend compared to various years in the past," the expert said. IMD data also showed that during most Mays in the last decade, the total monthly rainfall in Shivajinagar has been less than what the location has recorded so far this month. The total rainfall so far this month in Shivajinagar has been 52.4 mm till 5.30pm Friday. In May 2023, the monthly total was 19.4 mm in 2022 it was 0.7 mm; in 2019 it was 0 mm, in 2018 it was 3.7 mm. In May 2016 and 2017, the monthly total rain for the month was just 6.5 mm and 7.5 mm, respectively. Historical data reveals striking contrasts: 2020 recorded the highest frequency with seven days crossing 40°C in early May, while 2015 had six such days. The past decade shows considerable variation, with 2019 and 2021 registering no 40°C-plus days in the first fortnight. "At present, there is an upper air cyclonic circulation over the east central and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea, off the south Gujarat and north Konkan coast," an IMD official explained. "This persisting system is the major reason for the thunderstorm activities over Pune and many parts of Maharashtra," he said, adding that the current conditions were part of a transitional phase in the run-up to the monsoon. "We are expecting monsoon to arrive in Kerala by May 27, and the atmosphere is undergoing these kinds of changes. During this pre-monsoon period, whenever these types of systems are present, we typically expect thunderstorm activities," he said.
India Today
30-04-2025
- General
- India Today
10 Lakh dreams, 1009 seats: What happens to the ones who don't make it?
When Riya Sharma sat for her third attempt at the UPSC Civil Services Examination this year, she carried not just books and notes, but the weight of five years of relentless effort, isolation, and sacrifice. Like over 10 lakh aspirants across India, she dreamt of one of the 1,009 coveted seats—to serve the nation as an IAS or IPS odds, however, were stark. The UPSC is not just one of the toughest exams in India—it is a crucible. Out of over a million aspirants, only a thousand or so make it. For many, including Riya, the journey ends without a selection couldn't speak to anyone for two days. I just stayed in my room. I kept wondering—what now?' she says. Her words echo the thoughts of thousands who don't clear the final hurdle. It's not just about failing a test. For most, the emotional fallout is personal, intense, and disorienting. Years of preparation come with high stakes—dreams built around serving the country, family expectations, financial stress, and a personal identity rooted in being an 'aspirant'.So what happens to the ones like Riya, who don't make it?How do they navigate this emotional maze of setbacks, self-doubt, and second chances?To explore this, India Today spoke with aspirants, mentors, and mental health experts, delving into the reality behind the statistics—the stories of resilience, reimagined futures, and how failure in UPSC often becomes the foundation for something just as PYSCHE OF UPSC ASPIRANTS AFTER FAILUREadvertisementEmotional turmoil and resilienceFailure in UPSC is not just a professional setback-it is deeply personal. Aspirants often invest years, sacrificing social lives, careers, and sometimes even health. The aftermath of not clearing the exam can be emotionally devastating. Many report symptoms of depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, and a sense of isolation.'I could not sleep properly at night. Could not eat food properly. But slowly returned to the routine,' shares one aspirant who faced repeated setbacks before eventually qualifying for the prelims, only to fall short again in the some, the emotional toll is overwhelming. Ritika Sharma, who failed five attempts, described a moment when she contemplated ending her life, saying, 'I was too tired to prove myself. I wanted peace instantly.'Her journey highlights the intense psychological pressure and the need for a strong support MECHANISMS AND PERSPECTIVE SHIFTSDespite the pain, many aspirants find ways to bounce back. Experts and mentors encourage students to process their emotions, reflect on their motivations, and view failure as a stepping stone rather than a dead end.'Acknowledge and process your emotions to build emotional resilience,' advises a guide for unsuccessful aspirants, emphasising the importance of support from family, friends, and year, the UPSC journey tests more than just knowledge—it tests character, resilience, and the will to keep moving forward. Each aspirant's effort is worthy of respect," says Vivek Tiwari, CEO, Drishti PERSPECTIVES: REACTIONS REFLECTIONSResilience: Many aspirants, like Kunal R Virulkar, who attempted the exam 12 times without selection, share their stories publicly to inspire others. His viral post, '12 attempts, 7 mains, 5 interviews, NO SELECTION,' resonated with thousands, highlighting the perseverance and hope that define this from Failure: Aspirants often analyse their performance, identify weaknesses, and refine their strategies for future attempts. 'Failure is not a setback but a learning experience,' is a recurring sentiment amongst those who continue their Beyond UPSC: Some, after repeated attempts, move on to other careers, leveraging the knowledge and discipline gained during their UPSC journey. They emphasise that life after UPSC can still be meaningful and AND TEACHER PERSPECTIVESBalancing ambition with realismMentors and teachers play a crucial role in helping aspirants manage expectations. They stress the importance of having a 'Plan B' and remind students that the exam is not the sole measure of their worth.'UPSC aspirants deserve respect for their chosen path, not discouragement,' says a civil servant who now mentors students for free, focusing on psychological year was no different. Many brilliant minds gave it their all, and while not everyone found their name in the final list, countless emerged stronger—wiser, more grounded, and more determined than ever."we believe that the true success of this journey lies not only in securing a rank but in the growth it inspires. We've seen aspirants bounce back with renewed focus, and others discover meaningful paths beyond the exam hall," Vivek Tiwari further year, as always, we salute not just the toppers—but all those who dare to dream, fall, rise again, and keep striving."A missed attempt is not a failure; it's a turning point—a moment that often leads to even greater destinations."COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS (The figures mentioned are approximate and subject to change.)WHAT SEPARATES THESE SELECTED FROM THE REST?According to experts, success in UPSC is rarely about raw intelligence alone. The key differentiators are:advertisementDiscipline and consistency: Successful aspirants maintain a structured routine, prioritise revision, and avoid strategy: A well-defined study plan, time management, and regular practice through mock tests are Self-belief, a growth mindset, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks are often what separate those who clear the exam from those who come and mentorship: Access to quality mentorship and timely feedback can dramatically improve an aspirant's ASPIRANTS BALANCE AMBITION AND REALISMTeachers and mentors recommend:Encouraging aspirants to set realistic goals and the value of learning and personal growth, not just psychological support and promoting self-care to prevent students to develop parallel career plans and explore alternative UPSC WORTH THE HYPE?The UPSC Civil Services Examination is often portrayed as the ultimate benchmark of merit and intellect in India. But is it truly worth the hype?Yes—and is it worth the hype?Purpose-driven careers: For many, the opportunity to serve the nation as an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer is a deeply fulfilling and power: Civil servants hold influential positions that can create tangible change at both grassroots and policy opportunities: UPSC opens doors to a wide array of services—administrative, police, foreign, revenue, and more—each offering meaningful might it not be for everyone?Extreme selectivity: With over a million aspirants and barely 1,000 selections, the odds are brutally and financial cost: Years of preparation, social withdrawal, and emotional exhaustion can take a heavy of singular success: Society often glorifies only the selected few, overlooking equally capable individuals who go unranked, thereby equating worth with a result UPSC journey is a crucible that forges resilience, discipline, and self-awareness. For the 10 lakh dreams that don't find a place amongst the 1009 seats, the experience is often painful, but it is not wasted. As experts and aspirants alike attest, the lessons learned-about perseverance, adaptability, and self-worth-remain invaluable whether the exam is cleared.
